Melania Trump's White House Portrait Draws Backlash for Diamond Ring

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 2017: In this handout image provided by the White House, First Lady Melania Trump poses for her official portrait in her residence at the White House April 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by The White House via Getty Images)The White House

Monday, the White House released Melania Trump’s official White House portrait. The image shows the First Lady in a tailored black blazer with a sparkling necktie, looking straight at the camera with her arms crossed. While this may seem standard, an element that is causing outrage from several people on Twitter is that her 25-carat-diamond 10th anniversary ring seems to be featured front and center. Allegedly, the ring, which was given to her by Donald Trump in 2014, cost a whooping $3 million dollars. Several critics have pointed out that the ring could pay for programs cut in the president’s proposed budget like Meals on Wheels, for example. And as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and even Malia and Sasha Obama have faced criticism in the past over expensive designer clothing (though much of it is gifted or borrowed), some critics feel it's hypocritical to be silent over the exorbitant price of Melania's ring.

Lately, Melania has been the source of a heated debate over whether or not taxpayers should foot the bill for her choice to live in New York City. For many, this portrait highlights what they feel is an unfair burden on the American people.

Melania Trump is not the only First Lady whose portrait sparked backlash. Michelle Obama faced criticism for wearing a sleeveless dress in her official portrait and allegedly "showing too much skin." No matter where you stand on the current ring debate, it's interesting that this kind of criticism rarely befalls male politicians.